Transaxle – Checking, Repairing, and Replacing the Shift Lever and Shift Linkage – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure outlines how to check, repair, and replace the shift lever and shift linkage on a Porsche 944 (8-valve engine) for pre-1985.5 (83-85.5) and 1985.5 onwards (86-88) models. It addresses sloppy or difficult shifting caused by worn shift lever components or misadjusted linkage, ensuring smooth gear changes. Follow these steps carefully to inspect and restore the shifter mechanism.

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Tools Required

• Flat tip screwdriver
• Probe or small flat tip screwdriver
• 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench
• 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench

Parts Required

• Shift Lever (477 711 205 D) – if worn
• Bearing Shell (944 424 229 00) – if cracked or broken
• C Clip (N 012 437 3) – for pre-85.5 models, if damaged
• Spring Clip (N 012 648 2) – for 85.5 onwards models, if damaged

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Shift Lever Boot

1. For pre-85.5 models with carpet on the console (Pre-85.5):

For Pre-85.5 models:

• Pull up the bottom of the leather shift lever boot to detach it from the rubber inner boot.

• Pull up the carpet around the rubber inner boot.

• Slide a flat tip screwdriver under the trim piece at the base of the rubber boot. Push the clips to remove the trim piece.

• Pull up the rubber inner boot to separate it from the shifter sound absorber.

2. For 85.5 onwards models with plastic trim (85.5 Onwards):

For 85.5 Onwards models:

• Using a flat tip screwdriver, gently pry around the base of the shifter boot next to the console to separate the boot and inner trim ring. Be careful not to damage the boot.

Step 2: Remove the Shift Knob

3. Using a probe or small flat tip screwdriver, remove the clip securing the shift knob to the shift lever.
4. Pull up on the shift knob to remove it along with the boot from the shift lever.

Step 3: Disconnect the Shifter Rod

5. Remove the rubber inner boot from the shift lever.
6. Remove the C clip from the groove on the shift lever pin (Pre-85.5) or the spring clip (85.5 Onwards). Be careful not to drop the clip.

For Pre-85.5 models:

• Slide the shifter rod off the pin and remove the washer.

For 85.5 Onwards models:

• Slide the shifter rod off the pin, then remove the washer.

Step 4: Inspect the Shift Lever Pin

7. Inspect the shift lever pin for wear. If the pin is tapered rather than uniform in diameter, replace it with a new shift lever (477 711 205 D).

Step 5: Remove the Shift Lever

8. Remove the two M8 bolts securing the bearing bracket using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench.
9. Lift the shift lever out of the sound absorber and inspect the plastic bearing shell (944 424 229 00). If it is cracked, broken, or the shifter moves too easily, replace the bearing shell.

Step 6: Install the New or Inspected Shift Lever

10. If replacing the bearing shell, apply a small amount of Moly grease to the inside of the new bearing shell (944 424 229 00) and slide it into the bearing bracket.
11. Push the shift lever ball into the bearing shell with firm, steady pressure. Avoid excessive force to prevent breaking the bearing.
12. Install the shift lever into the sound absorber and secure it with the two M8 bolts using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench. Tighten to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).
13. Attach the shifter rod to the shift lever pin using the C clip (N 012 437 3) for pre-85.5 models or the spring clip (N 012 648 2) for 85.5 onwards models.

Step 7: Adjust the Shift Lever Angle

14. With the shift lever in neutral, ensure it is inclined toward the rear of the car at an 85° angle.
15. If the angle is incorrect, loosen the two M8 bolts on the bearing bracket using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench, slide the bracket forward or backward to achieve the correct angle, and tighten the bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Adjust the Side-to-Side Inclination

16. With the shift lever in neutral, ensure it has no side-to-side lean.

For Pre-85.5 models:

• Loosen the lock nut on the intermediate shift lever using a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench.

• Move the intermediate shift lever left or right to adjust the console shift lever’s inclination. Moving it toward the driver’s side tilts the lever toward the driver; moving it toward the passenger’s side tilts it toward the passenger.

• Tighten the lock nut to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

For 85.5 Onwards models:

• Loosen the lock nuts on the intermediate shift lever turnbuckle using a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench.

• Turn the center piece of the turnbuckle until the console shift lever has no side-to-side inclination.

• Tighten the lock nuts to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reassemble the Shift Lever Boot and Knob

17. For pre-85.5 models (Pre-85.5):

For Pre-85.5 models:

• Install the rubber inner boot onto the shift lever and secure it to the lip of the sound absorber.

• Reinstall the trim piece, carpet, and leather boot.

18. For 85.5 onwards models (85.5 Onwards):

For 85.5 Onwards models:

• Install the rubber inner boot onto the shift lever and secure it to the sound absorber.

19. Install the shift knob and boot onto the shift lever using the appropriate clip (N 012 437 3 for pre-85.5, N 012 648 2 for 85.5 onwards). Attach the boot to the console.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify the shift lever is at an 85° angle toward the rear in neutral.
• Check that the shift lever has no side-to-side lean in neutral.
• Shift through all gears to ensure smooth operation with no binding.
• Inspect all bolts and clips to ensure they are secure.
• Confirm no tools or debris are left in the console area.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manuals
• YouTube